Arts and crafts
Knots date back to prehistoric times
Example of a Chinese knot
Now known as a decorative art, Chinese knots originally served basic needs in the lives of early Chinese people..
Tens of thousands of years ago, early man developed the knots to hold clothing items made from fur together. They are still used as buttons today in traditional Chinese clothing. The history of the knots, or the tying of two cords together, may have started around 100,000 years ago, according to the Middlesex County, New Jersey, Cultural and Heritage Commission and the website, Chinese Moods.
Early knots did not stand the test of time
Because the knots were made of natural substances, none of the early knots have survived, although archaeologists have found bone needles used for sewing and utensils used to untie knots that date back 100,000 years.
Thousands of years later, before written characters had been invented, the knots were used for record keeping. Evidence of knotting has been found inscribed on wine vessels dating back to the Warring States period (481-221 BC).
Decorative knot uses became popular in Tang Dynasty
Practical uses for the knots continued for centuries, but it wasn’t until the Tang Dynasty (618-907) that Chinese knots began being used for decorative purposes. Today, knots are used for a plethora of decorative purposes: traditional costumes, wall hangings as well as decorations on jewelry boxes, to name just a few uses.
For centuries, the knots were made only of red silk rope. Red is the traditional color of good luck and long life in China, but other colors such as blue, green and yellow are gaining in popularity today. The cords used vary in thickness, with thinner cords used in jewelry and small decorations, while large cords are used for items such as wall hangings.
The Chinese use a dozen different knots, known as macramé in some cultures. Each knot is made from one continuous length of silk rope or cord, with the front and back sides being identical. Each knot has a meaning. For example, the fish-shaped knot is one of the most popular because it means ongoing abundancy, says the website Cultural China. Some knots are Chinese characters, such as fu, which means blessings, or shou, which means longevity.
Tens of thousands of years ago, early man developed the knots to hold clothing items made from fur together. They are still used as buttons today in traditional Chinese clothing. The history of the knots, or the tying of two cords together, may have started around 100,000 years ago, according to the Middlesex County, New Jersey, Cultural and Heritage Commission and the website, Chinese Moods.
Early knots did not stand the test of time
Because the knots were made of natural substances, none of the early knots have survived, although archaeologists have found bone needles used for sewing and utensils used to untie knots that date back 100,000 years.
Thousands of years later, before written characters had been invented, the knots were used for record keeping. Evidence of knotting has been found inscribed on wine vessels dating back to the Warring States period (481-221 BC).
Decorative knot uses became popular in Tang Dynasty
Practical uses for the knots continued for centuries, but it wasn’t until the Tang Dynasty (618-907) that Chinese knots began being used for decorative purposes. Today, knots are used for a plethora of decorative purposes: traditional costumes, wall hangings as well as decorations on jewelry boxes, to name just a few uses.
For centuries, the knots were made only of red silk rope. Red is the traditional color of good luck and long life in China, but other colors such as blue, green and yellow are gaining in popularity today. The cords used vary in thickness, with thinner cords used in jewelry and small decorations, while large cords are used for items such as wall hangings.
The Chinese use a dozen different knots, known as macramé in some cultures. Each knot is made from one continuous length of silk rope or cord, with the front and back sides being identical. Each knot has a meaning. For example, the fish-shaped knot is one of the most popular because it means ongoing abundancy, says the website Cultural China. Some knots are Chinese characters, such as fu, which means blessings, or shou, which means longevity.
Chinese papercuts make inexpensive souvenirs
A traditional paper cut
Chinese papercuts make great souvenirs of travelers’ trips to China. Papercuts are colorful, inexpensive, light weight and take up very little room in luggage.
The Chinese invented paper around the first century A.D., so it was only natural for them to come up with ways to creatively use this invention. Chinese historians generally agree that the art of papercutting didn’t surface until about the sixth century. Since paper was still very expensive, only the rich could afford paper for decorations, writes Nigel Cameron in The History of the Chinese Papercut for China Now magazine.
Papercuts are made by hand
Papercuts are made by cutting very thin paper with a scissors or knife. Papercuts are very fragile and tear easily. Red paper is traditionally used to make papercuts, though more modern subjects will be done in the colors of the rainbow. Sharp-pointed scissors and knives are used to cut the paper, usually several sheets at a time. Beginners usually work from a pattern, but more experienced cutters work in freehand.
Chinese papercuts available in many subjects
Traditional subjects are Peking Opera masks, animals in the Chinese Zodiac, flowers and maidens wearing traditional garb. More modern subjects are pandas and those catering to Western influences such as Santa Claus and rodeos.
Papercuts used for dcorations
Papercuts come in all sizes, from the usual 3” x 5” to several feet high. Papercuts are usually used as window decorations, especially around holidays, much like Westerners put up Christmas lights. They’re also used on Chinese lanterns and doorways. Many Chinese frame the larger papercuts. Sometimes papercuts are used as patterns for embroidery or lacquer work.
Using Chinese ppercuts at home
Travelers can find many uses for the papercuts when they return home. They make excellent gifts for anyone who has asked the traveler to bring them something from China. Many travelers frame a series of small papercuts and then make a wall arrangement with them. Creative types who make their own greeting cards will find them very handy. For example, Christmas-themed papercuts can be used on holiday cards; use double-sided tape to stick them to the card stock. Papercuts can also be used in decoupage projects.
Where to find Chinese papercuts
Chinese papercuts are available throughout China, especially in hotel gift shops. In Beijing, the China National Art Gallery (Meishuguan) has an excellent section, as do many of the shops on Liulichang Street. They can also be found at the Friendship Store as well as arts and crafts shores on Wangfujing Street. A pack of eight to 10 papercuts should cost around $1.
The Chinese invented paper around the first century A.D., so it was only natural for them to come up with ways to creatively use this invention. Chinese historians generally agree that the art of papercutting didn’t surface until about the sixth century. Since paper was still very expensive, only the rich could afford paper for decorations, writes Nigel Cameron in The History of the Chinese Papercut for China Now magazine.
Papercuts are made by hand
Papercuts are made by cutting very thin paper with a scissors or knife. Papercuts are very fragile and tear easily. Red paper is traditionally used to make papercuts, though more modern subjects will be done in the colors of the rainbow. Sharp-pointed scissors and knives are used to cut the paper, usually several sheets at a time. Beginners usually work from a pattern, but more experienced cutters work in freehand.
Chinese papercuts available in many subjects
Traditional subjects are Peking Opera masks, animals in the Chinese Zodiac, flowers and maidens wearing traditional garb. More modern subjects are pandas and those catering to Western influences such as Santa Claus and rodeos.
Papercuts used for dcorations
Papercuts come in all sizes, from the usual 3” x 5” to several feet high. Papercuts are usually used as window decorations, especially around holidays, much like Westerners put up Christmas lights. They’re also used on Chinese lanterns and doorways. Many Chinese frame the larger papercuts. Sometimes papercuts are used as patterns for embroidery or lacquer work.
Using Chinese ppercuts at home
Travelers can find many uses for the papercuts when they return home. They make excellent gifts for anyone who has asked the traveler to bring them something from China. Many travelers frame a series of small papercuts and then make a wall arrangement with them. Creative types who make their own greeting cards will find them very handy. For example, Christmas-themed papercuts can be used on holiday cards; use double-sided tape to stick them to the card stock. Papercuts can also be used in decoupage projects.
Where to find Chinese papercuts
Chinese papercuts are available throughout China, especially in hotel gift shops. In Beijing, the China National Art Gallery (Meishuguan) has an excellent section, as do many of the shops on Liulichang Street. They can also be found at the Friendship Store as well as arts and crafts shores on Wangfujing Street. A pack of eight to 10 papercuts should cost around $1.
Contact Cheryl
Copyright 2012 by Cheryl Probst. All rights reserved.
Copyright 2012 by Cheryl Probst. All rights reserved.